In a groundbreaking achievement, Tanzania, under the visionary leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has secured a remarkable position in the GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) 2022, as revealed by the World Bank's extensive research.
This milestone underscores Tanzania's steadfast commitment to leveraging digital technologies to revolutionize public service delivery and foster active citizen engagement in governance processes.
The e-Government Authority (eGA) has emerged as a pivotal driving force behind this transformative journey, steering Tanzania towards becoming a global model of digital excellence, as attested by its impressive performance in the GTMI rankings.
Developed by the World Bank, the GTMI evaluates countries based on their adept utilization of technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the public sector. It scrutinizes core government systems, online service delivery, digital citizen engagement, and GovTech enablers.
Eng Benedict Benny Ndomba, the Director-General of eGA, highlighted Tanzania's ascent in the GTMI rankings to Group A, emphasizing the nation's unwavering dedication to digitalizing government operations and services. He attributed this leap to the successful implementation of strategic initiatives such as GovNet and the government e-office system (GeOS), which have streamlined administrative processes and facilitated seamless inter-agency data exchange.
Moreover, Tanzania's introduction of comprehensive online and mobile service platforms has significantly bridged the digital divide, making government services more accessible to citizens. The mobile government (mGov) platform, offering services via SMS, USSD, and mobile applications, exemplifies Tanzania's commitment to creating a user-friendly and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Under President Hassan's leadership, Tanzania has witnessed a monumental transformation in its digital governance landscape, with a primary focus on enhancing government operations and services.
The e-Government Authority (eGA) has spearheaded digital service digitization, cybersecurity reinforcement, and platform interoperability within public institutions, marking a paradigm shift towards more integrated and transparent government operations.
The development and enhancement of the Government Communications Network (GovNet) have played a pivotal role in facilitating efficient communication and data exchange across government entities, laying the foundation for an integrated public service delivery system.
Recognizing cybersecurity as paramount to digital governance integrity, the Tanzanian government has bolstered its cybersecurity laws and regulations, ensuring the protection of digital infrastructure and fostering public trust in online government platforms.
Furthermore, Tanzania's comprehensive interoperability framework ensures the seamless interaction of different digital platforms and services, enhancing public service delivery and making government operations more responsive to citizens and businesses.
Tanzania's digital governance revolution extends beyond administrative enhancements to encompass a remarkable transformation in public service delivery.
The overhaul of the Online Government Portal has simplified processes like passport, permit, and license applications, significantly improving citizen-government interaction. The introduction of the mGov platform has further bridged the digital divide, ensuring service accessibility even in remote areas.
In the realm of taxation, the digitization of tax filing and payments by the Tanzania Revenue Authority has enhanced transparency and efficiency, setting a precedent for leveraging technology in improving service delivery across sectors.
Similarly, digitizing land administration services has revolutionized land transactions, offering easy access to services and reducing bureaucracy, thereby exemplifying Tanzania's comprehensive approach to digital transformation in governance.
Tanzania's strides in digital governance are not limited to public service delivery but extend to trade and information exchange as well.
The implementation of critical systems such as the Tanzania Electronic Single Window System (TeSWS) and the Government Enterprises Service Bus (GovESB) has significantly enhanced trade processes and interoperability within the public sector, showcasing Tanzania's commitment to leveraging technology for efficient governance and streamlined operations.
Key systems like TeSWS, eMikutano, eOffice, and GePG support various government processes, ensuring services are accessible online and reflecting Tanzania's journey towards innovative, integrated digital solutions.
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's leadership, Tanzania has also made significant strides in advancing digital citizen engagement, emphasizing active participation in the governance process through platforms like the e-Mrejesho platform.
The government's push for open data has empowered citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations to analyze and utilize public data effectively, setting a new standard for participatory governance.
Moreover, Tanzania's integration of GovTech enablers, crucial for the success of the digital agenda, underscores its commitment to creating a digitally literate populace capable of contributing to and benefiting from the digital transformation.
As Tanzania continues to spearhead digital governance initiatives under President Hassan's leadership, it sets a shining example for other nations, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital technology in shaping the future of governance and citizen engagement.
